What’s in for 2020?

Woven leather footwear by Bottega Veneta.

Trends come and go. One thing is for certain: 2020 calls for creative interpretation. It is finally time to don the extreme, the oversized and the flamboyant as the classic must-haves make a comeback with revamped and smarter looks.

The giant trend forecast website World Global Style Network (WGSN) has revealed next year’s style necessities as announced by industry expert Christine Benet, chairman of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)’s Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) Program.

Classic Blue is the Pantone of the Year. “Blue is an easy color to dye and apply to everyday outfits especially denims — so there will be broad ways to experiment,” Benet announced. “Since Blue is tropical, it is suited for different year-round collections. It is easy to look for existing pieces from the closet.”

“The year 2019 had silhouettes, specifically going volumes. In 2020, it is definitely the time for exploration and will focus on details such as surface design and fabric manipulation,” Benet shared.

Ladies can strut this season’s selections of dresses in silk-satin blends, from lightweight chiffons and sheer layer frocks with printed undertones to modish chinoiserie pieces with dense embroidery and loophole buttons. For an elegant yet cozy high summer feel, the classy kaftan gets additional character with a structure in the waistline while the 1990s-and-2000s-inspired spaghetti slip beckons a more sensuous summer.

Shirts get a more relaxed approach. Cotton tops achieve a high rugby-style, while cropped polo with waisted belt nips renders a preppy attitude. Those who dare to show more skin can don sleeveless Boho blouses with tiered waistline or tied-up scarf or bandanna tops. For a more dressed-up do, shiny satin shirts now go with an oversized 1970s-inspired collar.

Slimmer silhouettes also downtrend. Barrel-leg trousers with paperbag waistbands highlight the curves, while the city shorts provide a youthful look when paired with statement accessories. Cargo pants are back with a sophisticated overhaul complete with terno tops in cool greys and off-whites. Form-fitting and flattering flare pants are ideal picks for both casual yet smarter partywear.

Accessories also take a more glamorous turn. It includes 1980s-inspired animal prints such as minimalist natural-toned cowhide and bold zebra on pony skin and suede, vibrant satin sheens in zingy mid-tones like lemon drop, biolime and fuchsia. For maximalists, oversized pearls and woven leathers in impactful constructions are on the rise.

WGSN has become one of the best trend forecasters in the world, with over 250 trend experts and data scientists catering an immense number of insights and inspirations on fashion, lifestyle and retail. Benet and the rest of the fashion experts and educators in DLS-CSB have these globally available information on hand to ensure that the FDM graduates are equipped in the different tracks they wish to explore both in the local and international scene.